By: Aruba Birdlife Conservation, Greg Peterson
This year marks the reactivation of Shoco conservation efforts, which had been disrupted by the Covid-19 lock downs. Over the past few years, Shocos have faced increasing challenges in finding safe and suitable breeding locations across many areas of our island.
Tera Cora, the coastal area behind the Tierra del Sol golf course, was once a high biodiversity area and one of the most important breeding grounds for the Aruba Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia arubensis), locally known as the “Shoco.” In 2019, to improve the Shocos’ chances of survival, the first 20 artificial burrows were installed at the Tierra del Sol Golf Course. The primary reason for providing Shocos with alternative breeding opportunities was the systematic destruction of their natural burrows at Tera Cora, due to unregulated UTV and ATV off-roading activities. Over 90% of their natural burrows at Tera Cora were destroyed within just a few years following the introduction of off-roading adventure tourism, and many Shocos are still killed to date by the reckless driving of off-road vehicles. It is well known, both locally and internationally, that Aruba’s unsustainable, including the so-called ‘adventure’, tourism has come at a very high cost to the island’s natural environment and biodiversity.
Earlier this year, discussions were initiated with the new owners of the golf course regarding the existing Shoco conservation project. The new owners, the Iberostar group, have agreed to continue supporting the project and is committed to taking it a step further. Maintenance will be performed on the existing artificial burrows as the golf course undergoes renovations and upgrades, and 12 new artificial burrows will be added at safe locations around the golf course increasing the total number to 32.
This specific Shoco conservation project, led by the Aruba Birdlife Conservation, will be integrated into the new golf course design and branding, bringing in an educational component as part of the overall experience for golfers. Information about the Shoco conservation project will be available at the pro shop and on social media, helping to raise awareness among visitors, local golfers, and staff, who will be trained to answer the many questions that visitors often have. This initiative will enhance the overall Aruba golf experience for visitors and locals while giving our endangered Burrowing Owl a better chance of survival.
The introduction of artificial Shoco burrows in Aruba forms part of the Shoco Conservation Program, a cooperative initiative started in 2017 between the local NGO’s Aruba Birdlife Conservation and the Aruba Conservation Foundation, and The Global Owl Project (U.S.A.). Over the coming years, more artificial burrows are planned to be placed around the island, providing Shocos with additional and safer breeding opportunities as the island continues to develop.
Aruba Birdlife Conservation volunteers, with the support of Tierra del Sol-Iberostar staff, have begun constructing new artificial burrows, which will soon be installed around the golf course.
The Shoco, or Aruba Burrowing Owl, is an endemic subspecies, and its existence is seriously threatened with an estimated 200 breeding pairs or less. In 2012, the Shoco was declared a national symbol of Aruba. Aruba is the only member state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands where Burrowing Owls reside.
Picture: Aruba Birdlife Conservation volunteers and golf course staff celebrating after a morning of constructing artificial Shoco burrows to be placed at the renewed Tierra del Sol-Iberostar Golf Course.
